General swaps for Convention!

Wowzee where is the time going these days. Christmas will soon be here and am I ready, nope not a chance. I still have heaps of Christmas pressies to get. Going shopping tomorrow, so fingers crossed I complete that task in one day.

Anyway I wanted to share with you some more of my swaps I made for convention.

This is one of them, I used artistic etchings for this. I just love this set and used it a couple of times on my swaps which you will see. I ruffled some taffeta and put along the bottom. Now to do this its very simple. Simply find a little thread at the end, about the middle and pull it as if you where pulling it out and ruffle as you go. Then just adhere the ends to the back. Simplzzzz. I also used one of the new border punches. Loving that too.

Here is another one I made, I did use the large circular motif in this set on the black and embossed it in clear, not too sure if you can quite see it in the photograph. The Eiffle Tower was embossed using white embossing powder. Love the effect on this card. Its so sophisticated and girlie. I have also made birthday cards the same but instead of the ribbon I used the silver hodgepodge, which again gives it a bit of class.

This one was actually a case from the main catalogue, but instead of using ribbon down the middle I used the border punch. The flower is the boho blossoms punch with one of the new rhinestones in the centre. The stamp set is called On a pedestal. I love this set too, in fact I am working on some Christmas cards using this set. Watch this space.

Right think I have bored you enough for now, will try and get back again with some more. This is before I start showing you my lovely swaps. Oh they are STUNNING!



In a whirl!

Where oh where does time go. This time last week I was having a ball with loads of fellow demonstrators at convention. WOW it was fabulous. I swapped cards etc with loads of talented demo's. I will get round to taking some photo's of my swaps that I received. But for now I am going to show you some of mine.

My first one was for a Card Candy swap, we had to choose a set and make some embellishments that could be used to stick onto projects,

I choose Ornate Flowers with tiny tags as a sentiment. I tried to make it a wedding theme, so stuck to Pretty in Pink, Rose Red and Wild wasabi. Love these new colours.

My second one was for a 3D swap. I had a bit of a hard time with this. I wanted to create something that was not only 3D but also could be used as a business tool.

As you can see I have used a LOT of product and a LOT of ribbon in it. The real red satin ribbon around the kite is machine stitched and pleated as I sewed. Then the designer papers (brights) where cut into sections and had to be stuck down individually. The tail I wanted little bows but couldn't work out how to put them on, then I had a brain wave to hand stitch them and place a button onto the back, this gave it some weight too. Each kite had to be measured for all the cutting bits, so it took me a whole week to make 10. Something I don't want to make again in a hurry.

I then made loads and I mean loads of general swaps, but my all time favourite was my little cute stocking and candy cane. I just loved making these and they are so simple.

Basically, its just two stocking places together and stitched around the edges. I then stuck a piece of ribbon on the top so that you could hang it up. Then punched two edges of card, stuck to top and trimmed. Then popped in the candy cane. So simple. Think I am going to make some for my tree this year.

Well better go and see to my Christmas Cake, its been baking slowly in the oven and smells scrumtious.

November/December Offer!

Wow what an offer this is. A FREE reel of lovely ribbon when you buy one of these bundles. These are not available to buy individually.

• Gifted Bundle - Gifted stamp set and Jolly Holiday Designer Paper 124051 £35.70 (wood mount) or 124052 £30.70 (clear mount)
• Welcome Christmas Bundle - Welcome Chrsitmas stamp set and Christmas Cocoa Speciality Designer Paper 124063 £36.90 (wood mount) or 124064 £31.90 (clear mount)
• Season of Joy Bundle - Season of Joy and So Swirly wheel 124055 £36.45 (wood mount only)
• Delightful Decorations Bundle - Delightful Decorations Stamp set and Ornament Punch 124058 £37.45 (wood mount Only)

Choose from on of these ribbons FREE.

 Mistletoe Ribbon Originals 116792 Retail Value £11.50

Sleigh Bells Ribbon 116795 Retail Value £8.50

Riding Hood Red 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain 113099 Retail Value £10.25

 Real Red 3/4" Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon 115608 retail Value 10.25

If you would like to order any of the above please email me at melanie.reid2@ntlworld.com We also now take credit cards should you wish to pay this way.